Your facility design directly impacts animal welfare, operational efficiency, and customer perception. A well-designed kennel reduces stress for dogs, minimises injury risk, and makes daily operations smoother for staff.
Space Requirements
Minimum Standards
Most licensing authorities specify minimum space per dog:
| Dog Size | Minimum Kennel Size | Minimum Run Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small (<10kg) | 1.5m² | 2m² |
| Medium (10-25kg) | 2m² | 3m² |
| Large (25-40kg) | 2.5m² | 4m² |
| Giant (>40kg) | 3m² | 5m² |
Note: These are minimums. More space is always better for animal welfare and customer perception.
Beyond Minimums
Premium facilities typically provide:
- 50-100% more space than minimum requirements
- Indoor/outdoor access
- Separate sleeping and elimination areas
- Room to move, stretch, and play
Flooring Considerations
Flooring affects hygiene, safety, comfort, and maintenance.
Recommended Options
Sealed concrete: Durable, easy to clean, affordable. Add rubber mats for comfort and traction.
Epoxy-coated concrete: More durable than standard sealant, easier to clean, slip-resistant options available.
Commercial rubber flooring: Comfortable, slip-resistant, sound-dampening. Higher upfront cost but excellent for play areas.
Specialised K9 flooring: Purpose-built for kennels with drainage, durability, and comfort features.
Flooring to Avoid
- Untreated concrete: Absorbs urine, harbours bacteria
- Carpet: Impossible to properly sanitise
- Smooth tile: Slip hazard
- Wood: Absorbs moisture, splinters, hard to clean
Drainage
- Slope floors toward drains (1-2% grade)
- Use drain covers that prevent paw injuries
- Ensure proper trap maintenance
- Consider trench drains for larger facilities
Ventilation & Climate Control
Air Quality
- 10-20 air changes per hour recommended
- Separate HVAC zones for isolation areas
- Filter systems to reduce allergens and pathogens
- Fresh air intake where possible
Temperature
- Maintain 15-24°C (60-75°F) for most dogs
- Consider breed-specific needs (arctic breeds vs. short-nosed breeds)
- Monitor temperature in all areas
- Backup heating/cooling for system failures
Humidity
- Target 30-50% relative humidity
- High humidity promotes bacterial growth
- Low humidity can irritate respiratory systems
- Dehumidifiers in wet climates
Noise Control
Barking is inevitable, but uncontrolled noise stresses dogs and staff.
Acoustic Strategies
- Sound-absorbing materials: Acoustic panels on walls and ceilings
- Layout design: Separate kennel blocks with buffer spaces
- Solid partitions: Between kennels rather than chain-link (reduces visual stimulation)
- White noise: Masks sudden sounds that trigger barking
- Music: Calming music reduces barking and stress
Soundproofing Priority Areas
- Kennel sleeping areas
- Reception/client areas
- Neighbouring property boundaries
Kennel Types & Layout
Individual Kennels
Standard kennel: Enclosed space with solid walls on three sides, gate on fourth. Good for overnight boarding.
Guillotine-door kennels: Allow access between indoor and outdoor runs. Dogs can move freely.
Suite-style kennels: Larger, room-like spaces. Premium positioning for customers wanting âhome-likeâ environment.
Layout Considerations
- Double-entry gates: Prevent escapes during entry/exit
- Isolation area: Separate from main kennels for sick or aggressive dogs
- Staff sightlines: Design for visibility across kennel areas
- Traffic flow: Minimise dogs passing each other in corridors
- Client separation: Reception area away from kennel noise
Exercise & Play Areas
Indoor Play
- Non-slip flooring
- High ceilings if possible
- Good ventilation
- Adequate lighting
- Easy-clean surfaces
- Removable play equipment
Outdoor Areas
- Secure fencing (minimum 1.8m height)
- Double-gate entry
- Shade structures
- Water access
- Grass, turf, or rubber surfacing
- Proper drainage
- Shelter from wind/rain
Size Guidelines
- Minimum 10m² per dog in active play
- More space for large dog groups
- Separate areas for size/temperament grouping
Safety Features
Essential Safety Elements
- Secure fencing: No gaps, buried base or concrete footer
- Double-entry systems: All external access points
- Rounded edges: On all fixtures and equipment
- Fire safety: Extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers
- Emergency lighting: Battery backup
- First aid station: Accessible location
Common Hazards to Eliminate
- Sharp edges on gates or kennel components
- Gaps where paws can get caught
- Toxic plants in outdoor areas
- Accessible electrical cables
- Cleaning chemical storage in animal areas
Cleaning & Sanitation Design
Design for efficient cleaning:
- Hose access: Throughout facility
- Proper drainage: In all wet areas
- Seamless corners: Wall-floor junctions that are easy to clean
- Equipment storage: Dedicated cleaning supply area
- Laundry facilities: On-site washer/dryer
- Waste management: Covered bins, proper disposal
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a kennel facility?
Costs vary dramatically by location, size, and finish level. Budget ÂŁ50,000-200,000 for a small facility (10-20 kennels) and ÂŁ200,000-500,000+ for medium facilities. Renovating existing buildings is typically 30-50% less than new construction.
Can I convert my home/garage into a kennel?
Potentially, but youâll need planning permission, licensing approval, and significant modifications for drainage, ventilation, noise control, and fire safety. Consult your local authority early.
Whatâs the best flooring for dog kennels?
Sealed or epoxy-coated concrete with rubber mats in resting areas offers the best balance of durability, hygiene, and comfort. Commercial rubber flooring is excellent but more expensive.
How do I reduce barking in my kennel?
Acoustic panels, solid (not chain-link) kennel partitions, calming music or white noise, and good facility design that reduces visual triggers all help. Proper grouping and exercise also reduce stress-related barking.
Do I need separate areas for different dog sizes?
Yes. Separate exercise areas for small and large dogs prevent injuries. Kennel areas can be mixed if dogs are individually housed, but play must be size-appropriate.
Conclusion
Good kennel design requires balancing animal welfare, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and budget realities. Invest time in planning before constructionâchanges are expensive after building. Visit successful facilities, consult with licensing authorities, and work with designers experienced in animal facility construction.
Related reading: How to Start a Kennel Business, Legal & Insurance for Pet Boarding, Dog Health & Safety Protocols
